No-bake mocha protein balls

This protein ball recipe is one that will take you just minutes to prepare, but can yield hours of energy when you need it most – right before an epic, once-in-a-lifetime athletic competition, perhaps?

Made with simple and highly nutritious ingredients and a touch of Mediterranean flavor, these protein balls will become your go-to snack for a pre-workout boost. This recipe is inspired by the "coffee bliss balls" prepared by chef Dan Churchill, who is Lindsay Vonn's personal chef. Vonn is a world champion ski racer who's won two Olympic medals, one of them gold.

Ingredients

1/2 cup moist pitted dates*

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

2 ounces espresso

1/2 cup organic coconut flour

1/2 cup walnuts or almonds

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon raw cacao powder**

Coating

1/4 cup coconut flour

1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Directions

Place first 8 ingredients in a food processor. Blend until completely pulverized, scraping down the sides as needed.

Use a cookie scoop or large spoon to measure and roll into evenly sized balls. Refrigerate 30 minutes to harden.

Combine remaining coconut flour and cardamom in a small bowl. Roll balls in them, and then serve.

Store in an airtight container for 24 hours, or freeze for later use.

Adapted from a recipe by DanielChurchill.com.

*If dates are not moist, pour espresso over them and soak for 15-20 minutes to soften.

**When cacao powder is not available, cocoa powder may be subbed. Cocoa powder is typically roasted at high temperatures to manufacture and has fewer health benefits than raw cacao – which retains the healthy enzymes of the cacao bean and contains higher levels of antioxidants.

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Sarah F. Berkowitz
is a foodie and writer. Born in Israel, she lives in the deep South and enjoys feeding friends, family and random strangers home-cooked meals.